When it was announced last year that Seattle\’s Uptown Theater, which first began showing films in 1926, was going to close, it was a big-time bummer. But this past summer the Seattle International Film Festivaltold the world it was going to move their main base of operations from McCaw Hall at Seattle Center to the Uptown. That was great news. The multiple screens will give SIFF the capability to screen multiple films simultaneously.

Now the grand opening is upon us, and to celebrate their new digs, SIFF has announced the stellar slate of films set to screen during their initial week. The selections range from critically acclaimed classics of the twentieth-century, like Citizen Kane and The Godfather, to campy cult classics in the vein of Pee Wee\’s Big Adventure and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. There is even a collection of sing-a-longs for those of you who want to belt out some tunes with your favorite musical. Grease sing-a-long, I\’ve got you circled on my calendar.

Below is the schedule of films for the first week at SIFF\’s new home. Try to catch some if you can. Think of it as a house-warming party, but with great movies instead of awkward small talk. Welcome back, Uptown, I look forward to visiting you again.

6:00pm – West Side Story
7:00pm – The Godfather
8:00pm – Bob and the Monster Film and Concert

Now in its 37th year, SIFF has evolved into an internationally recognized film institution, reaching over 200,000 individuals each year through the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and FutureWave Education. SIFF\’s mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. It is through the art of cinema that we foster a community that is more informed, aware, and alive.